Synthesis, characterization, molecular docking and DNA binding studies of Al(III), Ga(III) and In(III) water-soluble complexes

In this work three new water-soluble aluminum(III), gallium(III) and indium(III) Schiff base complexes; Na2[M(L)NO3]; where L denotes; N,N’-bis(5-sulfosalicyliden)-1,2-phenylendiamin (salsophen) were synthesized and characterized by UV–vis, 1HNMR, FT-IR spectroscopy, thermal gravimetry (TG) and elemental analysis. To study the biological preference with the molecular target DNA, interaction of these complexes with DNA have been explored by employing various biophysical methods including absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, cyclic voltammetry and viscosity measurement. The Kb values at 298 K were found to be 1.17 × 104 for Al(III), 1.35 × 104 for Ga(III) and 1.64 × 104 M−1 for In(III) complexes, respectively. These results suggesting the greater binding propensity of In(III) complexes. Additionally molecular docking was carried out to ascertain the mode of action towards the molecular target DNA. Interaction of synthesized Na2[Ga(L)NO3] complex with DNA by difference techniques. [Display omitted] •Some novel group 13 water soluble Schiff base complexes were prepared.•The structure and stability of the complexes were determined spectrophotometrically.•The interaction between DNA and the complexes was studied.•Molecular docking study for more information of interaction was performed.